I don't know about you, but when I'm feeling under the weather it's difficult enough to get out of bed everyday, let alone try to make myself look presentable. Alas, unless you are bedridden, life must go on. Here are a couple of tips that I have been using lately to stop myself from looking like a hot mess on those dreaded mornings.

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Wash up.
Even if you are not generally a wash-in-the-morning type of person, just do it. I like using a simple, gentle cleanser for my face that isn't full of acne fighting products. It not only helps me wake up, it helps to start the day feeling a little less..gross. Don’t forget to moisturize that parched skin of yours and really let it sink in before jumping into the beauty routine.

Keep it light.
Opt for a tinted moisturizer/BB cream or mix a bit of moisturizer in with your regular foundation to lighten it up. There's nothing worse than feeling strangled by your makeup. Keep the rest of the look simple: a little blush to keep you from looking completely dead, curled lashes and lots of mascara. If you need some colour in your life, gloss/balm is your girl. Stay away from the lipstick and your dehydrated lips will thank you.

There’s nothing like a bun on a miserable day.
Am I right? A little dry shampoo, a little sock in your hair and you’re good to go. It’s out of your face and keeps you looking clean and not as disheveled as you may feel on the inside.

Accessorize strategically.
Keep outfits simple and comfortable and add a couple of fun accessories to keep it interesting. Scarves are like a little security blanket that you can carry around with you without judgement. They also happen to make a nice little pillow for if you need a snooze on the go. If you feel more like yourself with a little bling, go for a non-heavy stud earring since your ears are already on show.

Get up.
If your job is anything like mine, you’ll be on your tush for most of the day. It’s easy to sit down and get lost in the blahs of every day business. I usually start to wear out by lunchtime. If the weather isn’t bad, get outside. Nothing like a bit of fresh air to perk you back up. If not, maybe walk the stairs of your building or go for a little stroll to the lunch room/cafeteria for a cup of tea. Taking breaks always makes me feel less lethargic.

Here's hoping that Punxsutawney Phil and Wiarton Willie predict an early exit from the Polar Vortex (could they have picked a more ominous name for a weather pattern?) and we can start nudging our way out of the deep freeze and flu season. Feel better sickies!

Bronzer - Matte or Shimmery, it all depends on your preference (I use either Nars Laguna or NYC Sunny), bronzer not only can be used to amp up your all over complexion but it can be used to contour your face AND eyes. Using a matte bronzer in the crease can create subtle definition. Find a compact that has a dual bronzer and blush and you get twice the usefulness for the same amount of space.

Concealer Wheel - I use the Coastal Scents Camo Quad in Medium which comes with three shades I can use/mix for spot concealing on my face, no matter how much of a tan I`ve got at the time. The formula is almost gel like so it can be used all over the face. It also comes with a white that I can use in the inner corners of my eyes to make myself look more awake as well as on my cheekbones as a matte highlight for the face. I can also use the darkest shade to contour.
 
Neutral Eye Palette. The Wet N Wild Vanity palette is pretty much the perfect multitasking palette, but the same functionality can be achieved with simply a light neutral shadow and a dark matte shadow. The light shadow can be used as a highlight and blending colour,  all over the lid and in the inner corner of the eyes, as well as on the cheeks for a glowy look. A dark matte shadows can be used for eyeliner during the day and then put in the outer corner/crease to smoke out a look for a night out.

Tapered Blending Brush. I have yet to come across a brush that truly measures up to the MAC 217. I can do a whole eye look with this one brush no problem. If you're going to invest in one eye brush I would hands down say go for this one. Fluffy brushes are even great for blending out concealer, though make sure you've cleaned off any pigment from your eyeshadows before heading into cream products.

Retractable Kabuki Brush. The perfect face brush to take on the go, it's dense enough to apply a powder foundation, but used with a light hand can be great at blending out bronzer and blush. Snap on the cap and it's ready to come with you in your makeup bag without getting covered in germs.

Throw in mascara and you`re ready for an entire weekend, day and night! Do you have any multi-use products that are perfect for travel?

I am, and always will be a big proponent of thrifting. Some of my favourite items of clothing and home decor are from thrift stores and have cost me next to nothing, however I do understand some people's hesitation when it comes to hitting up the thrift store. To help you with the art of thifting, here are ten pieces of advice before you head out.

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1. Location, Location, Location.
Get to know the stores in your area. This may take some time but you'll start learning which ones tend to get the best stuff. As a general rule, the more affluent the area usually the better the better the finds.

2. Be patient.
It can take some serious time to sift through the garbage and find the diamonds in the rough. Make sure you're prepared to spend a good chunk of your day in there.

3. If you're looking for something, you probably won't find it.
Thrift stores are unpredictable by nature, so if you have something particular in mind they can be the most frustrating place on earth. Unless you're planning on doing many regular trips, don't go in with too high expectations. The best things are always the ones you just happen to stumble upon.

4. Know the sales.
Most thrift stores will have weekly sale days, get to know the ones in your area so that you are hitting up the best deal possible.

5. Look for potential, but not too far.
Sometimes all a piece needs is a good scrub and it's good as new, but don't fall into the trap of buying junk just because it's cheap. Really think about whether you'll really get around to fixing that hole up before it comes home with you.

6. Shop the whole store.
Two of my favourite things I've found at the thrift store are a cardigan that was in the men's section and a denim jacket that I found in the kid's section. Don't be afraid to go outside of your gender/size section.

7. Try everything on.
Just like in any other type of clothing shopping, just because it looks one way on the hanger, doesn't mean it will translate the same on your body.

8. Layers are key.
To avoid having to wait in line for a change room or keep going back and forth, dress smart the day of. Leggings, a plain tank top and a cardigan are my usual thrifting outfit. Most things I'm able to try on without having to step into a change room.

9. Bring a friend.
Not only will it be more fun, but you're more likely to be 100% satisfied with your purchases if you get a second opinion. Be careful who you bring though, make sure they are ready and willing to make the trek through the racks with you!

10.  Enjoy the treasure hunt!
Honestly, you really have to be in the groove to have a good thrifting experience. If you don't enjoy the idea of spending the time finding the little treasures - stay home and shop online.